Charge your phone and iPad at the same time with the best powerbank for travel
Smartphones have replaced the need for several gadgets while you travel. I use my phone in a number of ways including searching the internet, keeping in contact on social media and as a camera, to name a few. My phone seems to rarely leave my hand while I travel. Of course, constantly using my phone means the battery charge can run low. If you have ever found yourself about to take that perfect photo or make that important phone call and bam, the battery is low or dead, you will be extremely disappointed and inconvenienced. I know, it has happened to me a number of times. But it doesn’t happen now and it won’t happen to you if you travel with a powerbank, aka a portable charger. Here are a few things to know that will help you choose the right, and the best powerbank for travel so your devices won’t leave you in the lurch when they run out of power.
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What is a Powerbank?
Firstly, if you haven’t heard of a powerbank before you will be wondering what a powerbank is? Well, a powerbank is a very handy electronic device that enables you to charge your devices wherever you are. This is because they are a power source. They look very similar to a mobile phone but without a screen.
How to Choose a Powerbank For Travel
When you are looking to purchase a powerbank to take travelling there are a number of things to consider. The main things to consider when shopping for a powerbank are:
- Size
- Shape
- Weight
- Capacity
Other things to consider include:
- Power left indication light
- Built in Flash light.
To explain what to look for in a powerbank in more detail:
mAH Size Matters When Buying a Powerbank
Size does matter when considering buying a powerbank. There are two sizings to consider. Its portability and its charging capacity or mAH size. mAH meaning Milli Ampere Hours.
Portability of a Powerbank
The first thing to know about a powerbank is its portability. Powerbanks are mostly about the size of your current phone. They are being designed so they are small enough to fit in to your bag or pocket. Very convenient! Mine fits in to my handbag and I can discreetly charge my phone and sometimes my laptop as I am walking around checking out the sites.
Charging Capacity of a Powerbank – What is mAH?
The second thing to know about a powerbank is its charging capacity. The more charging capacity the power bank has the more times your device/s can be charged. So when it comes to size, charging capacity size that is, size can matter. Powerbank capacity is measured in “Milli Ampere Hours” mAH. Basically the more mAH you have in your powerbank the more times you can charge your devices.
Powerbanks currently range from 2,000mAH to 30,000mAH but the technology is changing rapidly with varying mAH sizes becoming available. To give you an example for charging capacity purposes, an iPone 5 needs a capacity of about 1,600mAH to charge once. The minimum power bank you would therefore purchase is one with 1,600mAH. However, most people purchase a powerbank of about 10,000mAH – 20,000mAH as this would let you charge your iPhone 5 about 5 times before the powerbank needs charging itself. So you need to consider what device you are charging and how many times you might need to charge it. If you will be travelling for days on end without access to power and need to charge a phone and a laptop, a powerbank with more mAH of around 20,000mAH plus would suit.
Have At Least 2 USB Ports to Charge Multiple Devices with your Powerbank
The more USB ports on your power bank the better
Not all power banks allow you to charge multiple devices. Some only allow phones to be charged. If you will be travelling with other devices like a laptop or iPad then look for a power bank that will allow you to charge all your required devices as being able to charge multiple devices with your power bank will be very useful. At a minimum I suggest your power bank has 2, or more USB ports. This will let you charge your phone and/or a small device/s at the same time. Some models come with more than 2 USB ports and are for people who travel with a number of devices. I can’t say it enough, think about how many devices you might be travelling with so you have enough USB ports to charge all your devices.
Charging Your Powerbank
There are two ways to charge your powerbank, but this does depend on the type you have. Your power bank will either require electricity to charge itself or there are solar powered charging power banks.
Power Charging Powerbanks
Powerbanks need charging themselves and can be charged using either built-in USBs or cables. Most charge quicker through a cable in a powerpoint but can also be charged through another device. Check how the power bank will be charged before you purchase one.
Solar Powered Powerbanks
If you are going off-grid during your travels you may consider a solar powered power bank. They work like any solar powered item, they need sun to charge them. Charge time for your powerbank will depend on the powerbank’s capacity, mAH. Some may have a bar system to show you how much charge you have though many of the newer models will have a digital display showing how much charge is available.
Powerbank Extra Features
As powerbanks are becoming a popular ‘must have’ device to travel with the extra facilities they offer are growing. One extra feature to look out for is an inbuilt flashlight / torch. Having this will help you see when out at night.
Best Powerbank Brands
There are a number of powerbank brands for you to consider. They include Belkin, Xiaomi, Aukey, Cygnett and Anker. Each have their own ranges of power banks with varying sizes. So once you have considered your travels and how much mAH you may need you will be able to choose the powerbank that suits you most.
Check out some of the best powerbanks for travel to purchase following.
Best Mini Power Bank: Anker PowerCore 3350
Just need a quick charge? Check out this lipstick sized Anker PowerCore 3350. Not only cute but fits conveniently into your bag or pocket.
Best 10,000mAH Power Bank: Anker 10,000mAH Power Bank
If you want a power bank that is slim yet powerful check out this Anker 10,000mAH power bank. Very portable, lightweight, slim and fits nicely in pockets and bags.
Best 20,000mAH Power Bank: RAVPower Portable Charger
Travelling for a while and not sure when you will be near power again? Then check out the RAVPower Portable Charger 20000mAh. Compact yet powerful and offering Tri-input and Tri-output for iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and more. Well worth the investment.
Best Large Capacity Power Bank: Halo Bolt Power Bank
Wanting something compact yet offering a lot of power, 58,830 mAH in fact. Check out this Halo Bolt power bank that can charge laptops as well as phones. Also strong enough to give your car a charge.
Best Solar Powered Power Bank
Going off grid? Or out for the day or weekend hiking? Check out this solar powered powerbank. It is wireless, portable, rainproof and fast charging and compatible with most smartphones and tablets. So if you are heading out, this powerbank can be charged on the go from the sun.
Final Words on Buying the Best Powerbank for Travel, Home & Work
A powerbank can charge your devices anywhere. This could be at work, at home or while travelling. Having a power bank while you travel will help you keep your devices charged and in turn, help you travel better by not letting you get stressed from having devices without power. So take into account, size, shape, capacity, weight and cost of a power bank so you purchase the one that suits you. And then never leave home without it. I’d love to hear your thoughts on powerbanks, please leave a comment below.
Hey Sharyn,
That’s a very useful blog! Now, I know the things to keep in mind when buying a power bank for traveling. Thank you so much for sharing these tips!